Literary notes about benignity (AI summary)
Literary authors employ "benignity" to evoke a sense of gentle, gracious kindness that often subtly contrasts harsher traits or reinforces noble character. In political or social commentary, for instance, Burke’s use hints at a leader’s vulnerable generosity manipulated for personal gain [1], while Dickens portrays it as an intelligent, almost conspiratorial twinkle in Mr. Smallweed’s expression [2]. The term also bridges the human and the divine; its invocation in sacred contexts, like the biblical reference to God’s guiding benignity [3, 4], underscores a transcendent warmth and mercy. Moreover, authors frequently use benignity to enrich character portrayals—whether through a reassuring smile or a compassionate demeanor that softens even the sternest authority [5, 6, 7].
- They are only known to their sovereign by kissing his hand, for the offices, pensions, and grants, into which they have deceived his benignity.
— from The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 01 (of 12) by Edmund Burke - Mr. Smallweed, approving of what is set before him, conveys intelligent benignity into his ancient eye and winks upon her.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens - Knowest thou not that the benignity of God leadeth thee to penance?
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Adore the benignity of God, in that He is willing to receive you on your mere repentance; a repentance which He Himself enables you to exercise.
— from The Preacher's Complete Homiletic Commentary on the Books of the Bible, Volume 15 (of 32)
The Preacher's Complete Homiletic Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Volume I by Alfred Tucker - So saying, he quitted me; but with a benignity in his countenance and manner that infused not only consolation but joy into my heart.
— from Coelebs In Search of a Wife by Hannah More - He at first knit his brows; then smiled with more unctuous benignity than ever.
— from The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne - On her death-bed the fortitude and benignity of this best of women did not desert her.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley